Humans are extensively using synthetic plastic products for multiple life purposes. Non-degradability of these products affected
the nature and extremely harms the environment. Herein, biodegradable membranes with different ratios of chitosan/starch
waste have been prepared. These membranes have been submitted for in vitro enzymatic biodegradation followed by examination
by SEM, FTIR, Raman scattering spectral analyses, surface roughness measurement, degree of swelling, and contact
angle. The obtained membranes showed biodegradability significant features which increased by increasing starch ratio and
has been confirmed by the formation of holes that were demonstrated by SEM micrographs. Both of surface roughness and
water uptake values of the prepared membranes have been increased in all prepared membranes after the enzymatic treatment
to the maximum measured value of 0.87 μm and 200%, respectively. However, water contact angle values of the prepared
membranes have been decreased after the enzymatic treatment to reach 25 θ as the lowest measured value. These results suggest
the application of chitosan-blended starch membranes as alternatives for petroleum plastics with more environmental safety.
Research Abstract
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery
Research Member
Research Publisher
Springer
Research Website
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13399-021-02244-9
Research Year
2022